Controversy Over Latest Allan Fung for Governor Ad

"Making Rhode Island open for business once again," says an Allan Fung for Governor TV ad.

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung's latest ad, has him sitting in a diner as he discusses his economic plan for the OceanState.

But that diner is located in Ohio, where Fung's TV consultant is based.

His opponent is not holding back.

"The problem, and what's been broken with this whole thing is the fact that the commercial was filmed out of state, yet it was all about economic development in Rhode Island, and that just shows a basic tone deafness," said Ken Block, (R) Candidate for Rhode Island Governor.

ABC6 Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis said, "We did offer Mayor Fung the opportunity to respond to the criticism, but the campaign declined our invitation."

One thing we do know, is that most of the Rhode Island campaigns - for a variety of offices - are using out of state media firms.

"It's the way politics works. The fact is most campaigns now, hire national campaign consultants. And you are trying to buy the best campaign money can buy," said Rhode Island College Political Communication Professor Kay Israel, who is an ABC6 Political Analyst.

Ken Block's production firm is from New Jersey.

Mark Curtis question: Now you are using an out of town firm as well, for your commercials, right? So what's the difference?

"I film all my commercials here locally. They've all been made locally and we will continue to make them locally," said candidate Ken Block.

Analysts say the Ohio ad could be Fung's downfall.

"If he can't handle the small things. How's he going to handle the large things," said Professor Israel.

While the commercial was shot out of state, Fung's campaign notes that over 100 thousand dollars was spent in Rhode Island buying time to air it on local media outlets.